Juanita Mercedes Garcia

Aug. 23, 1927 - Mar. 11, 2013

Date of Service: Mar. 15, 2013

Juanita M. Garcia

HAZELTON – Juanita M. Garcia, age 85, of Hazelton, let go of the loving hands that cared for her at home on Monday, March 11, 2013. “Mama” to her children, and “Grandma Silver-hair” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will be remembered for the light in her face that made each of us feel special.

Born on Aug. 23, 1927, in Antonito, Colorado, Juanita was a survivor. She lost her hearing early in life when deafness was a misunderstood barrier. At the age of 12, she embraced and yearned for the opportunity to attend the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.

On March 19, 1952, Juanita married Jake C. Garcia, who preceded her in death. They produced six healthy children in ten years and raised them with love, hard work, and very little money. Juanita left extended family behind when she moved to Idaho, and depended on cherished letters for emotional support. Devout faith sustained her through the trials of marriage, parenting, and making ends meet. She worked in the fields alongside her husband and made a comfortable home where values were taught by example.

Juanita expressed creativity in quiet moments of needlework, sewing, drawing, and writing. Her lemon meringue pie and flour tortillas are unrivaled. She blossomed as a grandmother and was crowned with great-grandchildren who reflect the child-like innocence and playfulness Juanita maintained to her death.

Juanita is survived by her children, Don Garcia (Esther) of Hermiston, Oregon, Anne Wolfe of Hazelton, Angela Garcia of Boise, Jane Garcia (Luis Benavidez) of Burley, Joyce Taylor of Boise, and Rosemary Wright (Rodger) of Hazelton; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 1601 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. Father Julio Vincente as celebrant. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery.

A vigil service will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at St. Therese Little Flower Church in Burley, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 p.m.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Jamie Ray, whose tender care of Mama brought peace and joy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.